Pesto

August 10, 2023

Since we grow basil I needed a good recipe for homemade pesto. Everyone I’ve made this for thinks it’s a winner

Summary

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: NA
  • Other: NA
  • Total Time: 15 min
  • Servings: 16 (from original recipe. I use it for 1 lb of pasta)
  • Yield: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (60 g) (can sub half the basil leaves with baby spinach)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (can sub chopped walnuts)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste

Directions

  1. Place the basil leaves and pine nuts into the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times.
  2. Add the garlic and Parmesan or Romano cheese and pulse several times more. Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.
  3. While the food processor is running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady small stream. Adding the olive oil slowly while the processor is running will help it emulsify and help keep the olive oil from separating. Occasionally, stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor.
  4. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Toss with pasta for a quick sauce, dollop over baked potatoes, or spread onto crackers or toasted slices of bread.

Notes

  • If you want to freeze the pesto, omit the cheese (it doesn’t freeze well). Line an ice cube tray with plastic wrap, and fill each cube with the pesto sauce. Freeze and then remove from the ice tray and store in a freezer safe, zip-top bag. When you want to use it, defrost and add the grated Parmesan or Romano.

Adjustments

  • I’ve always used 30g basil and 30g baby spinach

History

  • 2023-08-10 – This is the 4th time I’ve made this in 2023. Just now transferred to my recipe template. Always turns out well!

References